MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

A dramatic buzzer-beater sealed the deal on a great day of high school basketball Saturday at Calvin University for the Storm Invite.

Grand Rapids Northview star, and Western University commit, E.J. Ryans hit a leaning 3-pointer as time expired to give his team a huge early-season win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central.

The Storm Invite featured four varsity high school games with all the teams located in the Grand Rapids area.

Here are prospects who saw their recruiting stock rise with great performances:

Brady Swartz, 6-5, GR Northview – No one improved their stock more than Swartz, who has embraced his new role as a go-to scorer. Swartz scored a career-high 28 points. He showed versatility by knocking down 3-pointers, driving to the basket and even playing above the rim. D1 college coaches take note. There’s a new star in Michigan.

Cam Ryans, 6-4, GR Northview – Ryans looked more athletic and more versatile as a scorer than he did during his fantastic freshman season last year. Ryans knocked down 3-pointers, hit mid-range jumpers and powered his way to points in the paint. He looked like a power-5 college prospect who is still just a sophomore. The sky is the limit for his potential.

Davis Kemper, 6-8, South Christian – Kemper knocked down three 3-ponters and showed a soft touch around the rim. He even looked pretty comfortable handling the ball when needed. Kemper, who scored 14 points in the game, is more of a tall wing who can also score in the paint. If he can continue to work on his athleticism and gain more confidence creating his own shot, he could skyrocket up the rankings over the next two years.

Jake Vermaas, 6-1, South Christian – Vermaas just signed to play wide receiver at Grand Valley State this past week, but he might have made a case to play basketball at the next level, too. Vermaas showcased versatility and dynamism by scoring in a variety of ways, while also running the offense. He scored a game-high 28 points in a tough, physical win over Rockford.

Tyler Davis, 5-11, GR Christian – Davis came off the bench to score a game-high 13 points in a win over Hudsonville. He looked quick and agile with the ball, showcasing lead guard capabilities. Davis showed confidence shooting and getting to the rim. He out-played the starter and could be a sleeper for GR Christian if they are going to make a deep tournament run in March.

Nathan Johnson, 6-6, GR Christian – Johnson displayed a much more diverse skillset than he had last high school season. He was confident creating his own shot. He knocked down jumpers and got to the rim. Also an elite defender, Johnson looks the part of a D1 athlete. GR Christian has as much potential as any team in the state, and Johnson might have the most upside out of the bunch.

Jack Kamminga, 6-3, Unity Christian – Kamminga was on fire from beyond the arc early. He was always around loose balls and he looked confident and athletic on offense. He’s an under-the-radar prospect who will certainly catch the eye of college scouts with more games like that. He scored a team-high 15 points in a close loss to Grandville.